iicorr Ltd



iicorr Ltd have been involved in flexible pipe inspection and integrity assurance since 1991 when they were involved in a JIP on a failed riser. This learning process on what is a relatively new technology has been ongoing ever since. iicorr Ltd can now offer varying services on flexible pipe inspection and assurance and are involved with operators world-wide.

The main services can be summarised as:
Flexible Pipe Inspection - Visual, Eddy Current Polymer Monitoring - Recovery of samples of the polymer pressure barrier are removed from an in service line and analysed to ascertain their performance. Risk Based Inspection - Using models and historical experience Criticality Study - A review of lines in service to identify any particular line that requires surveillance due to the operating conditions of that line

The main focus of inspection and monitoring of flexibles is the use of polymer coupons. The coupons are of the parent material of the polymer barrier and are exposed to the flow in coupon holders set in access fittings. These holders are recoverable on-line subsea and topside. At a pre-determined interval, the polymer sample is removed and analysed. The analysis work is carried out by some of the worlds leading polymer physicists. From the analysis work carried out the operator can be advised of any possible failure mechanisms at work within the polymer pressure barrier. This method of monitoring has seen major cost savings for operators in recent years and can help prevent any operational failures. There are varying coupon types to identify specific mechanisms such as chemical and mechanical degradation. The recovery of the polymer samples can be done on line using mechanical and hydraulic retrieval tools. A mechanical diver operated tool is used for subsea coupons, this subsea tool is the only one of its kind in the world. The advantages of using subsea locations is primarily that the operator gets the " worst case" information, as the temperature is a critical factor regarding polymer ageing the subsea section, the hot-end of the line will see the hottest sustained temperature. iicorr also supply vent gas systems which measure the amount of gas permeating through the polymer barrier into the pipe annulus. The system is also capable of sampling and during 2005 an upgrade of the system will be carried out which should see not only the vent gas being measured but also an online gas sampling system giving the operator the exact gas that is being seen.